NBI Director: Testimony vs. Sara Duterte guided by evidence, justice

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Friday asserted that his testimony during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte was guided by evidence, justice, and the rule of law. "You have to tell the truth. We seek justice... We are guided by justice, guided by the evidence, the rule of law, by the procedure. And, at the end of the day, from law enforcement, we want law and order," he said in an ambush interview. Matibag was the House prosecution panel's last witness for Article IV, which accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes, and betraying public trust in connection with her alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others. When asked how he would address the criticisms on social media regarding his testimony, the NBI chief said it was normal for the public to have differing points of view. "In my view, I was able to present the bases for our position. It is being alleged as hearsay, but under the rules, this is an exception to the hearsay rule. Why? Because I am now the custodian of the records that were left behind, and those are official records," he explained. Matibag also stated that he is "very well" following his testimony. He mentioned that he was at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to discuss NBI operations in Pampanga with Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida. "Because we are filing cases there concerning the metal bars we apprehended that are substandard. And some are loaded with hazardous materials, which will affect the health of our citizens," he said. Initial findings showed that these metal bars were used in a building that collapsed in Angeles City. Matibag added that they will have a more complete report at a later time. —AOL, GMA News